Holding the Man

Holding the Man

Year: 2015

Runtime: 128 mins

Language: English

Director: Neil Armfield

DramaMoving relationship storiesEmotional LGBTQ relationshipsEmotional teen coming-of-age storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and suffering

A tender and moving love story, it follows Tim and John from their teenage years at an all-boys high school, where they unexpectedly fall for each other. John is the football team captain, while Tim pursues acting in a school production of Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship perseveres through fifteen years, facing challenges like separation, discrimination, and personal losses. The film explores the complexities of their bond as they navigate life’s difficulties and ultimately confront a problem that tests the strength of their love.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Holding the Man (2015)

Trace every key event in Holding the Man (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tim meets John at Xavier College

On Tim's first day of his senior year at Xavier College, he meets John Caleo and a deep bond forms from the start. The connection grows quietly through shared moments and the sense that they belong with each other.

late 1970s Xavier College, Melbourne
2

A dinner party reveals their love

During a dinner party hosted by Tim's female friends, the group passes a kiss around the table for Tim's benefit, revealing that he is in love with John. The moment crystallizes a truth Tim can no longer ignore.

late 1970s Tim's social circle, Melbourne
3

Tim and John begin a romantic relationship

Following the revelation, Tim and John begin a romantic relationship that anchors the rest of their lives. They navigate family expectations, social norms, and the uncertainties of growing up in a changing world.

late 1970s Melbourne
4

Graduation and divergent paths

They graduate from Xavier College in 1977. Tim goes to Monash University while John studies to become a chiropractor. Despite parental opposition and uncertainty, their bond remains a constant.

1977 Melbourne
5

Tim moves to Sydney for acting

Tim moves to Sydney to enroll in acting training at NIDA, while John stays behind but continues to support his partner's dreams. The distance tests their relationship but also deepens their commitment.

early 1980s Sydney
6

Flirtations, fidelity, and enduring love

Their relationship endures through flirtations and infidelities, reflecting the messy realities of long‑term love. They work to keep trust alive as life pulls them in different directions.

1980s
7

HIV diagnosis changes everything

As they move forward together in Sydney, both Tim and John discover they are HIV positive. The diagnosis introduces fear, stigma, and a new, painful reality they will navigate together.

late 1980s Sydney
8

John's health declines in autumn 1991

Autumn 1991 brings a rapid decline for John, who battles lymphoma in addition to HIV. Tim stays by his side, bearing witness to the cruel progression of the illness.

Autumn 1991 Sydney
9

John hospitalized in Fairfield Hospital

Christmas 1991 finds John in Fairfield Hospital in Melbourne, where the end seems near. Tim remains by his partner's side through the mounting pain and difficult days.

Christmas 1991 Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne
10

John dies on Australia Day

On Australia Day, 1992, John dies of an AIDS-related illness with Tim by his side, gently stroking his hair as the world moves on.

1992-01-26 Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne
11

Tim finishes the memoir Holding the Man

In the years that follow, Tim continues to tell their story and finishes the memoir that would become Holding the Man. The work preserves their life and love amid fear, stigma, and loss.

1990s Sydney
12

Tim passes away

Nearly three years after John's death, Tim passes away in Sydney, leaving behind a lasting testament to their relationship.

1995 Sydney

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:46

Unlock the Full Story of Holding the Man

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Holding the Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Holding the Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Holding the Man Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Holding the Man

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Holding the Man. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Holding the Man

Holding the Man Spoiler-Free Summary

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Holding the Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Holding the Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Holding the Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Explore More About Movie Holding the Man

Holding the Man (2015) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Holding the Man (2015) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Holding the Man (2015) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow